On Thursday, Pakistan reassured the European Union (EU) Monitoring Mission that it is fully committed to the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+).
Due to concessional tariffs, Pakistani textile exports to the EU increased by 108% when the country was awarded GSP+ status by the EU in 2014. The European Parliament unanimously decided in October 2023 to provide developing nations, including Pakistan, GSP+ status for an additional four years, until 2027.
As part of the fifth Biennial Review of the GSP+ policy, a seven-person EU team is presently in Karachi. Sirgio Baliberia, an advisor to the GSP+ Directorate of the Directorate General for Trade, is in charge of it. Pakistan’s performance on 27 international treaties related to the trade plan will be closely examined by the monitoring team. For Pakistan to maintain low export costs, GSP+ status must be maintained.
Human Rights and Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar welcomed the team at its headquarters today, according to a press release from the ministry.
Pakistan reiterated its steadfast support for the GSP+ framework, highlighting the continued importance of the collaboration between the EU and Pakistan for institutional improvement, governance reforms, and sustainable development. Pakistan, one of the biggest GSP+ recipients, emphasised the program’s contribution to strengthening human rights protections and bringing national laws into compliance with international norms, according to the press release.
The delegation was informed of “significant legislative and policy progress” since 2014, including improved safeguards for labour, women, children, marginalised groups, and individuals with disabilities.
The National Commission for Human Rights’ “A” status under the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions was maintained, and the National Commission on the Rights of Child (NCRC) and the National Commission on the Status of Women continued to operate independently. The Pakistani side reiterated its commitment to upholding human rights despite “challenges posed by counter-terrorism and climate change.”
The team was also told that the federal and provincial governments were still working on implementing the National Action Plans on Human Rights and Business and Human Rights.
Important programs advancing gender equality, such as the National Gender Policy Framework (2022), gender-responsive budgeting, and provincial initiatives, were also discussed.
The Prime Minister’s Women Empowerment Package and the Benazir Income Support Programme, which benefits over 9.1 million women, were cited as key initiatives that promote women’s socioeconomic inclusion.
“Recent child marriage restraint laws and the creation of NCRC, Zainab Alert, Response and Recovery Agency, and Child Protection Institutes were highlighted as examples of progress on child rights. The news release stated that efforts are still being made to combat child labour, online exploitation, and youngsters who are not in school.
With support from the National Commission for Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals, the Pakistani side further reaffirmed its commitment to media safety and freedom of expression. It also gave updates on sensitive human-rights measures, such as the implementation of the Mercy Petition Policy, the reduction of capital offences, the enforcement of the Torture and Custodial Death Act, and the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances’ resolution of more than 85% of cases.
Noting Pakistan’s recent election to the UN Human Rights Council as a “testament to the international community’s confidence in its constructive role,” Tarar also emphasised the nation’s “robust constitutional and legal safeguards.”
According to the press release, the delegation identified “certain areas for further attention” with regard to the nation’s human rights and important issues that call for government action, such as the necessity of stronger laws, policies, and institutions in order to successfully fulfil Pakistan’s obligations under the 27 fundamental UN conventions.
“The minister assured the delegation that the Pakistani government is still fully committed to these responsibilities and mentioned that during the delegation’s ongoing visit, specifics regarding the progress made thus far, current difficulties, and future plans would be shared.”
The minister applauded the EU’s helpful recommendations for improving treaty reporting, interprovincial collaboration, data integration, and implementation mechanisms. According to the statement, “Pakistan has taken these points into consideration and is making progress through stronger reporting, provincial engagement, and robust monitoring.”
The ministry officials also praised continued EU-Pakistan cooperation via the Huqooq-i-Pakistan Project and reiterated their commitment to maintaining GSP+ development, improving human rights, and fostering an inclusive, rights-based, and sustainable future, according to the news release’s conclusion.
In exchange for reducing import tariffs to zero on two-thirds of the tariff lines of their exports, developing nations are granted GSP+ status, a unique incentive to “pursue sustainable development and good governance.” 27 international treaties pertaining to human rights, labour rights, good governance, and the environment must be implemented by governments having this status.